Police: Man accidentally shoots wife in the head

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MIDDLETON, Idaho - A man accidentally shot his wife in the head when showing his nephew a handgun Friday night in Middleton, the Canyon County Sheriff's Office said.

A 56-year-old Middleton man told police that he was showing his .38 caliber handgun to his nephew Friday evening, the CCSO said. They also said the man had unloaded the gun before handing it to his nephew.

After the nephew returned the handgun, the man reloaded it. He told police that he was trying to let down the hammer when it fired, hitting his wife in the head. The 51-year-old wife was standing only feet away from the weapon.

Police said that other family members at the house immediately called 911 for help. One family member was performing first aid when medical personnel arrived.

The woman was taken by ground ambulance to a Boise hospital with life-threatening injuries. She was unconscious at the time she was transported, and her condition as of Saturday morning is still unknown.

The CCSO is continuing the investigation and they said it is too early to speculate on charges, if any will be filed.

Sheriff Chris Smith with CCSO said in a press release that this incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of firearm safety and to always be aware of where a firearm is pointed.